Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering and the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT), TDTU, Organize Seminar: "From University to Market – Entrepreneurship Experience with the ITS Solar Dryer"
Recently, the Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering and the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT), Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), successfully organized a seminar titled "From University to Market - Entrepreneurship Experience with the ITS Solar Dryer.".The program’s speaker was M.Eng. Phan Van Hiep - Lecturer at Van Hien University and Director of ITS Smart Technology Solutions Co., Ltd. (ITS).
The seminar was attended by Dr. Tran Thanh Phuong - Dean of the Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Ton Duc Thang University, and Dr. Duong Thi Thuy Van - Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT), along with faculty members and a large number of students from the Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering.
The presence of the delegates helped create a lively, open, and inspiring atmosphere, demonstrating the university’s strong commitment to fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among students.
With many years of experience in researching and applying technological solutions in the field of renewable energy - particularly solar energy - M.Eng. Phan Van Hiep shared inspiring stories about his entrepreneurial journey, from being a lecturer and researcher to becoming an inventor and entrepreneur.
The seminar provided the audience with a comprehensive view of how research products can transition from the university environment to successful production and commercialization in the market.
During his presentation, Mr. Hiep introduced the development process of ITS’s innovative products, including solar dryers, solar heat traps, input dehumidifiers, and dryers for ginseng, bananas, Australian limes, fish, and more.
These technologies have been implemented in various provinces and cities across Vietnam such as Khanh Hoa, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Soc Trang, and Quang Ninh, bringing tangible economic and environmental benefits to local communities and businesses.
Drawing from his personal entrepreneurship experience, M.Eng. Phan Van Hiep emphasized: “Entrepreneurship must create difference, uniqueness, and innovation. These are the elements that help a product survive and develop sustainably in the market.”
In addition to his real-life stories, the speaker also discussed and guided students through key legal aspects of intellectual property (IP). He highlighted the importance of registering patents, trademarks, and copyrights - not only to protect ideas but also to enhance credibility, create a competitive advantage, and attract investment during the startup process. Understanding and applying IP regulations correctly, he noted, will help students and young innovators gain confidence when bringing their products to the market.
At the seminar, Dr. Duong Thi Thuy Van highly appreciated the speaker’s entrepreneurial spirit, affirming that such real-world stories serve as valuable inspiration for students pursuing creative ideas. She also introduced various programs, training courses, and initiatives that CITT is currently implementing to support TDTU students in their startup journeys - from idea incubation to product development.
According to Dr. Van, CITT will continue to serve as a bridge between the university, businesses, and the startup community, helping students gain more opportunities for learning, practice, and real-world experience. This aligns with TDTU’s strategic direction to promote innovation and the commercialization of scientific research outcomes.
The seminar "From University to Market - Entrepreneurship Experience with the ITS Solar Dryer" not only expanded the professional knowledge of Electrical & Electronics Engineering students but also ignited their entrepreneurial spirit, strengthened their awareness of intellectual property, and inspired a vision for future career development. The program stands as a testament to the strong link between academia and practice - between university and industry - a key foundation for nurturing a generation of confident and creative young engineers who are ready to contribute to the sustainable development of society in the digital age.
